Wild Goose Chase

Mon, 2007-04-16 20:31

Sometimes reporting for a story is a bit like going on a wild goose chase. In my case, this month‘s “wild goose” is the military -- all branches, all levels.

I‘m not saying they haven‘t been helpful. I‘m not saying they haven‘t been kind. In fact, they‘ve been both, plus really friendly (lets face it, a lot of the stories they‘re contacted for aren‘t exactly feel-good pieces). However, I have made about 25 calls in the course of only three days. Here‘s how my reporting has gone:

Brrrring, brrring. [Phone ringing]

Military public affairs officer (MPAO): Hello sir/ma‘am. How may I help you.

Me: I‘m Jennipher Shaver with Club Industry‘s Fitness Business Pro magazine and was wondering if I could speak to someone about fitness opportunities and the rehabilitation process for wounded war veterans?